Senate Bill No. 85, introduced by Senator Wheat, aims to enhance the regulation of watercraft operation on state waterways by allowing parishes and municipalities to designate no-wake zones. The bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 34:851.4, 851.14.1, and 851.27, as well as R.S. 38:3086.24. Key provisions include the establishment of no-wake zones, which require vessels to operate at bare steerage speed to minimize water surface turbulence. The bill clarifies that no-wake zones can be established by local governing authorities, and such designations will not preempt existing state laws regarding no-wake zones.

Additionally, the bill outlines the enforcement of these regulations, allowing local law enforcement and wildlife agents to enforce speed limits and no-wake zones. It also provides for emergency closures of waterways and the authority of the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District to implement no-wake zones in response to specific conditions that threaten the integrity of waterway banks. The proposed changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB85 Original: 34:4(A)(17), 34:1(A), 34:27(B)(1), 38:24(F)(2)
SB85 Engrossed: 34:4(A)(17), 34:1(A), 34:27(B)(1), 38:24(F)(2)